Essential Preparations for Cats Before Coming Home

Dear future cat guardians, what do you need to prepare? Let's go through the items one by one that you'll need to get ready:

1. Cat Food

Cats are made of iron and steel; they can't go without eating. Feeding is the top priority for our feline companions. It's important to note that dry food, due to its low water content, can lead to chronic dehydration if fed exclusively (regardless of brand or quality). Therefore, it's not advisable to feed dry food 100% of the time (though it's fine for short periods). To counteract this, supplement with wet food or cans to increase your cat's water intake. Remember, while there are cans that can be used as a main meal, relying solely on cans can be quite luxurious and increase the cost of feeding. There are also cans that should only be used as supplements, typically mixed with dry food. If you plan to use cans as the main source of food, be sure to differentiate between them and treats. Don't let your cat confuse snacks for meals!

It's also worth mentioning that cats have different preferences when it comes to flavors, so you might need to experiment to find the right one. Generally, a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of dry to wet food is sufficient.

In summary, once you have the cat food sorted out, you're well on your way. Issues like wet food, cans, or homemade meals can be researched as you go along.

2. Food and Water Bowls

These are the basic containers for eating and drinking. Since Ragdoll cats have a round face and a short mouth, they don't have any special requirements for bowls, so you can use any common type.

3. Cat Litter

Just like humans, cats have basic needs like eating, drinking, and using the bathroom. After addressing the eating part, we need to solve the problem of waste. Cat litter comes in various types, but for simplicity, choose clumping litter.

4. Litter Box

Litter boxes come in singlelayer, doublelayer, enclosed, and open designs. The choice between single and double layers depends on the type of litter you use; clumping litter works best with singlelayer boxes. Whether you choose an open or enclosed box is more about controlling odors; enclosed boxes can reduce the spread of smells, but remember, regular litter box maintenance is crucial regardless of the type of box you choose.

5. Cage

For a new cat, a cage is often more suitable than a bed. Cages can prevent young cats from making a mess. As they grow and become more mature, you can switch to an open bed, allowing your cat more freedom.

6. Hairball Remover or Cat Grass

Cats are very clean and often groom themselves, ingesting a lot of hair in the process. This hair can form into hairballs in their stomachs, so it's essential for cats to regularly expel these hairballs. Hairball removers or cat grass can help with this. This is something your cat will need longterm, so make sure to provide it in sufficient quantities.

Both hairball removers and cat grass are options, and you can choose based on your cat's preference. Cat grass is a type of plant that you can grow yourself, usually wheatgrass, which serves the same purpose as hairball removers by providing more fiber to help your cat expel or pass hairballs.

7. Nail Clippers

Cats have sharp claws that can easily scratch people, so regular nail trimming is necessary. However, for cats that like to climb, trimming their nails can increase the risk of falling. For more relaxed Ragdoll cats, trimming is usually fine and should be done about once every two weeks.

8. Brush

For Ragdoll cats with fluffy and soft fur, maintaining beautiful hair is essential. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat in perfect condition but also massages their skin, promoting blood circulation and healthy hair growth.

9. Deworming Medication

Cats also need regular deworming, both internally and externally. Thankfully, due to technological advancements, there are now deworming solutions that address both internal and external parasites with a single dose. Bayer's new product, Iverhart Plus (for cats), is a prime example, offering a convenient onestep solution for both internal and external deworming, making the deworming process easier and less timeconsuming for pet owners.

10. Medication Feeder

Cats have sharp teeth and claws, and while Ragdoll cats are generally gentle, giving them medication can still be a challenge. A medication feeder, similar to an injection syringe, can help solve this problem and make the process easier.

11. Ear Cleaning Solution

Cats have large and deep ears that can accumulate dust and dirt. Regular ear cleaning is necessary, and a specialized ear cleaning solution can help soften earwax, prevent ear mites, and is nonirritating.

With these items, you'll have covered your cat's basic needs. You can add other items as needed. All these products are available online with a wide range of brands to choose from. Just be sure to be extra careful when purchasing food and medications to avoid counterfeit products.